18 days The Andes – South America’s high plateau

Day 1 – Arrival in Buenos Aires

Arrival at the airport in Buenos Aires, transfer to the hotel and check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2 – Buenos Aires – Salta

Transfer to the domestic airport and flight to Salta. Transfer to the city hotel and 1 overnight stay. In the afternoon there is the option to explore the old town, which was built in colonial style. We also recommend a visit to the archaeological Museums (Museo de la Historia), where the remains found in 1999 at Llullaillaco (at an altitude of 6739 m) Child mummies exhibited are.

Day 3 – Salta – Cachi

Rental car pick-up at the hotel and drive to Cachi, a route that stands out for its great contrasts. First, it goes through the Lerma Valley and the local jungle of the “Yungas", The route soon leads up towards the desert or the plateau. At the top of the pass Piedra del Molino At over 3500 m, the traveler gets an impressive view in all directions. In the Los Cardones National Park thousands of huge and centuries-old candelabra cactiFinally, at Payogasta, we reach Ruta 40 and the small colonial village Cachi, in the north of the Calchaquí Valley located. 1 hotel night.

Driving distance: 30 km gravel, 135 km asphalt. 

Day 4 – Cachi – Molinos – Quebrada de las Flechas – Cafayate

Now it's the legendary 40 Route and  Calchaquí Valley along to Cafayate, where the colorful landscape and the very impressive rock formations of the Quebrada of the Flechas fascinate every visitor. 2 nights on the winery Cafayate Wine Resort. 

Driving distance: 140 km gravel, 20 km asphalt.

Day 5 – Wineries around Cafayate

Bordered by the Quebradas de las Conchas with its famous Garganta del Diablo and protected by the imposing mountains of Tres Cruces and Morales, Cafayate is a majestic place thanks to its magnificent surroundings.

The Calchaquíes valleys are the highest wine-growing regions in the world, at over 1.500 metres above sea level. In a 520 km stretch, you can discover 2.500 hectares of cultivated vineyards, with a landscape characterised by carob trees and cacti. The soil, composed of sandy sediments, ensures the conditions for excellent water permeability to wash out the harmful salts. The water for irrigation comes from the rivers that cross the valleys, the Calchaquí and the Santa Maria, and well water is also used.

In the afternoon, it is worth taking a detour of about 30-40 km on Ruta 68 towards Salta, through the Quebrada de las Conchas, a shimmering red sandstone landscape with its bizarre rock formations that shines particularly beautifully in the afternoon light.

Day 6 – Cafayate – Salta – Purmamarca

Today we go back to Salta on Ruta 68 and continue on the winding road through the jungle "Yunga" leading road over La Caldera to the north, from Jujuy up the gorge of Humahuaca to Purmamarca, where the famous "Mountain of Seven Colors" opposite the village and shines in an incredible variety of colors against the deep blue sky. 1 night at the Hotel Manantial de Silencio.

Driving distance: 355 km of asphalt.

Day 7 – Purmamarca – Salta

In the morning, part of the Quebrada of Humahuaca to the north, famous for its colorful mountains, geological formations and historic adobe villages. In the afternoon return to Salta and 1 night in a hotel. Rental car return at the hotel.

Driving distance: 165 km on asphalt. 

Day 8 – San Antonio de los Cobres – Tolar Grande

100 km of asphalt road. 250 km of gravel road.
Max. altitude 4.500 m above sea level. Altitude at destination 3.600 m above sea level.

Today a guided three-day tour starts back up into the Puna, this time in the province of Salta. Only 30 km from Salta, the gorge Quebrada del Toro, a natural elevator that connects the green Lerma Valley with the desert plateau of Puna. The wild Quebrada lies at an altitude of 1200m to 4000m, up to the Abra Blanca Pass, which is the entry point to the Puna. The Incas had once explored this passage extensively, as it was part of the Capaq Nam, also known as the Royal Trail, a 5000km long path built to connect the Inca Empire from Quito in Ecuador to  Mendoza in Argentina. Saint Anthony of the Coppers is the current capital of the Puna, a dusty village with a diverse community. The last civilized place before the Puna is also a stopover for numerous international tourists who start their expeditions into the desert from here. Abra Chorrilos will be the highest point today, where you will learn a lot about the Apacheta and its cultural significance for the traditions of the Andes. After crossing the Pocitos Salt Lake, our 3-hour journey into the wild and untouched nature begins. The desert labyrinth is about 10 million years old and was once formed from gypsum crystals. Nowadays it is possible to cross this natural wonder by vehicle - a must for photo safari lovers. big tolar lies on the edge of one of the largest salt lakes in the world, the Salar de ArizaroFrom the small village, which was built in 1940, you can enjoy a unique view over the western ridge of the Cordillera, as well as an imposing chain of volcanoes, which in some places is higher than 6000m.

2 nights at Hosteria Casa Andina: 6 double rooms with private bathroom, hot water and heating.

Day 9 – Tolar Grande – Salar Rio Grande – Mina Casualidad – Tolar Grande

130 km of asphalt road and 120 km of gravel road.
Max Height  4.500 m above sea level. Altitude at destination 3.400 m above sea level.

Mina Casualidad, which was once known for its numerous mines and quarries, is located in one of the most remote and astonishing areas on earth. On the border with Chile, surrounded by the highest volcanoes in the world, between sulphurous mountains, salt lakes and a cobalt-coloured sky, almost 4 people once lived in the small and tranquil mountain village at 200 m above sea level. The miners worked at 3 m above sea level, while their families and administrative staff went about their daily activities in the town of Mina Casualidad. The mine was closed by the Argentine army in the 000s and the people moved away. Today Mina Casualidad is nothing more than an abandoned ghost town.

In Caipe, the old train station of the city, the minerals extracted from the mines were loaded onto the freight trains and transported to Salta for further processing. From this abandoned station, the traveler can enjoy an incredible panoramic view over the huge salt lake Salar de Arizaro In the afternoon we return to Tolar Grande to enjoy the beauty of the Puna at sunset.

Day 10 – Tolar Grande – Salta

Now we go back the same way to Salta, but it is another experience in the afternoon sun to see the beautiful Quebrada del Tastil to descend. 1 night at the Hotel Finca Valentina.

Day 11 – Salta – San Pedro de Atacama

After breakfast, transfer to the bus station, where the bus to Purmamarca starts at 7 a.m. From here, the impressive pass road Cuesta de Lipán up to the Salinas Grandes (salt lakes) that stretch white and glittering to the horizon. We continue via Susques and the Jama Pass (4400 m) to Chile, through the Los Flamencos National Reserve to San Pedro de Atacama, an unusually colorful village in the middle of a green oasis at an altitude of 2.440 m above sea level. After arrival at around 18:30 p.m., take a taxi on your own from the bus terminal to the hotel. 3 nights at the Hotel Altiplánico.

Day 12 – Atacama

In the morning, pick up a rental car at the hotel. A trip on your own through the oasis village is highly recommended Toconao up to a plateau at about 4200 m, around the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons below the mountain peaks of the same name. The colour of the dark blue water in combination with the white salt rings on the beach and the mountains in the background create an unforgettable picture. Finally, we head to the lagoon of Atacama Salt Lake with hundreds of flamingos.

After arriving back in San Pedro, you can walk to the pre-Columbian village Tulor (4 km), which is about 3000 years old. The archaeological remains are the oldest remains of a human settlement in this valley.

Day 13 – Tatio – Valle de La Luna

Early in the morning at 04:00 am, before sunrise (bring warm jackets and breakfast) drive about 90 km of bad gravel on your own to the El Tatio Geysers, which lie at an altitude of 4.300m. It is the highest geothermal field in the world and forms an impressive landscape. At sunrise, fountains of steam shoot out of various holes. The steaming puddles are covered with shiny salt crystals that reflect the metallic blue sky at dawn. Afterwards, you can go to the nearby village hurt where the llama caravans used to rest after their journey on the “Inca Highway”. Today only very few people live here. On the way back you can take a thermal bath in Puritama possible (it's worth it!), and return to San Pedro de Atacama. 

In the afternoon, it is worth taking a detour to the valleys Valle de Marte and  Valle de la Luna with a hike on the "dune" - especially beautiful in the evening because of the slanting sunlight. After the return journey, return the rental car to the city office of the car rental company and take a taxi to the hotel on your own.

Day 14 – Towards Uyuni

Start of a guided 4-day tour to Uyuni, the largest salt plateau in the world. At 8 a.m. we travel by minibus to the Bolivian border. From here we continue in the  4×4 off-road vehicle, past the Verde and Blanca lagoons, always at the foot of the Licancabur volcano. We continue through the "Dali Desert", where you can admire a surrealistic landscape and Laguna colorada where over 30.000 flamingos live. Overnight stay in the Tayka chain hotel.

Day 15 – San Pedro de Quemez

The next morning we continue at 8 am, on this day we visit the Siloli Desert, where the wind has formed impressive rock formations. Then we head over the Altiplano to the colorful Lagunas Honda, Chiarcota and Cañapa; then, it goes on to the Chiguana Salt Flats, and finally to San Pedro de Quemez. Overnight stay in the Tayka chain hotel.

Driving distance:  240 km of asphalt. 

Day 16 – Uyuni

Today we continue again at 8 am until Uyuni Salt Flats, first to Fish Island (Incahuasi), in the middle of the salt lake, where bizarre chalk formations can be seen, as well as fossils of corals and sea shells. Then we continue towards Colchani, 20 km from the city of Uyuni. Arrival in Tahua.  Overnight stay in the salt hotel of the Tayka chain, which is built entirely of salt, both the walls and roof as well as the furniture.

Day 17 – Uyuni – Calama – Santiago

At 5 a.m. you head back on a long day trip south towards the Bolivian-Chilean border, border formalities, change to the minibus and drive to Calama, arriving in the early afternoon. Transfer to the airport and flight to Santiago de Chile. Transfer to the city hotel where you enjoy one last night.

Day 18 – Transfer to the airport

Today, you will be taken by private transfer to Santiago de Chile airport at the time of your departure. End of the trip.